In March 2024, we visited the new trendy café, The Founders Hutton, the former historic Hutton Lodge – and forgot to write about it!
One morning, Irene exclaimed, “Let’s head to Founders on Hutton Lane.”
In 2024, this café was the talk of Penang, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and popularity. Crowds of young people often lined up under the hot sun to get inside.
This review is long overdue. Our March 2024 visit confirmed The Founders’ reputation.
Opting for Monday morning was a stroke of genius.
It allowed us to soak in the café’s renowned vibe and enjoy a leisurely brunch at one of Penang’s new hangout spots.
Who founded The Founders?
The café is a trippy place, offering many trendy, hip features that match its unique decor curated by the flamboyant DADDY @soonporter, known for his distinctive style.
His narcissistic silhouette is plastered all over the café.
Flamboyant DADDY @soonporter is everywhere, creating a shrine-like display dedicated to himself.
Founders’ Origins
Originally from Johor, The Founders Catê boasts an impressive pedigree.
The JB café, initially known as People and Places in 2017, gained fame when Mandopop star Jay Chou unexpectedly visited the following year.
Now rebranded as The Founders Catê, its location between Austin Heights and Taman Daya continues to attract celebrities, including the Malaysian Royal Family and local star Mizz Nina.
Hutton Lodge
The first Penang outlet of Founders resides in a renovated 19th-century Indo-Malay bungalow from the 1890s.
Originally “Pin Kung Hotel & Chinese Restaurant,” a 2003 fire left only the brick walls and columns intact.
George Town is often regarded as one of the most complicated World Heritage Sites to manage with more than 5,000 buildings almost equally distributed in the core and buffer zones. – George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI)
Recognized for its historical significance, the building was preserved by the Municipal Council under Category II heritage conservation.
It was conserved as the Hutton Lodge, blending Penang’s historic charm with modern comforts like indoor and outdoor seating areas and an outdoor pool.
Originally “Pin Kung Hotel & Chinese Restaurant,” it was conserved as the Hutton Lodge before its current metamorphosis as The Founders Hutton.
World’s Best Bagel
Although ordering has gone digital with QR codes, a physical menu is still available for those who want to see a picture menu.
While we got to try their self-proclaimed Specialty Hand-Rolled Bagels (rumored to be outstanding nonetheless), the details elude me after two months and numerous café visits in between.
I would have likely chosen a seed-rich sesame rye pumpernickel, oat, and whole-wheat bagel generously slathered with cream cheese—hoping it would offset the indulgence with health benefits.
We ordered bagels, and the water (sky juice) comes free. We got coffee too, which arrived later.
Founders Deco
Externally understated, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
Having frequented the now-closed Eden since the 1970s, our arrival always felt assured yet tinged with the fear of misdirection.
Stepping inside, however, transported us to a rustic ambiance filled with a refreshing vibe.
The entire floor was covered in sand, reminiscent of beaches where dry sand squeaks underfoot when disturbed.
Resisting the urge to bury my toes (not the beach), we found solace in the pleasant courtyard garden seating—even in the midday heat of 33°C.
It’s an effortlessly cool spot. Irene and I shared inside jokes over delightful meals. We laughed, smiled, and savored the moment.
The menu features brunch staples, including the infamous ‘World’s Best Bagels,’ pizza, pasta, pastries, and cakes—all good but delicious. I wouldn’t lie.
Many patrons, like us, found it hard to resist ordering more.
While some background music played, I paid little heed to it.
The atmosphere was lovely—like stepping into a chic yet rustic space, making it a memorable experience. Stickers and posters adorned the interior, adding to its funky, unique vibe.
“Did you see that?” Irene nudged, pointing out more fluorescent pink posters and squiggly line silhouettes.
The service met our expectations with young, cheerful staff always ready with a smile.
They were attentive and patient while answering Irene’s menu inquiries.
As we dined, conversation flowed freely, touching on everything and nothing in particular.
This place is perfect for anyone seeking a stylish, relaxed spot to catch up with friends, unwind with a good book, or even pitch life insurance.
Tucked away from the bustling shophouses along Hutton Lane, The Founders peeks behind trees, embracing the charm of a cool Indo-Malay bungalow from the late 19th century.
Is Founders Halal?
During the day, the venue is both Muslim and pet-friendly.
The morning menu excludes pork and alcohol, catering to Muslim guests.
However, it transforms into a bar atmosphere in the evening, serving alcohol and featuring nightly live bands.
Be prepared for higher prices.
For breakfast and brunch, enjoy yogurt bowls, bagels (including the ‘World’s Best’), classic cinnamon rolls, and more, with flavors like cream cheese, Biscoff, dark chocolate, matcha almond, and pecan salted caramel.
The dinner menu starts at noon, offering soups, mains, pasta, and finger foods.
Remember when you were a kid and wanted to decorate your walls with stickers? It feels almost illegal to have both stickers and cakes!
Car Parking
Due to its city center location, parking is limited.
Overall, service was swift and efficient, especially on a Monday morning—smart thinking, Irene!
Pro tip: Scan the QR code at the entrance to join the queue, or risk waiting in vain.
The Founders Hutton [Pork Free Serves alcohol at night]
17 Hutton Lane
10500 Georgetown
Penang
Google: https://g.co/kgs/FdUPfZD
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.
